Wyoming News Briefs for May 7, 2024

KEMMERER (WNE) — In a special zoning board meeting on April 30, a recommendation was made for the Kemmerer City Council to approve the final plat for the Gateway PUD housing development, with conditions.

One of those conditions is to include a plat notice to the future purchasers of the lots that natural gas is not being provided in the all-electric development.

Previously, at a March 19 zoning board meeting, the developers — Sean Coyle, Chris Mooney, and Mark Germain of Gateway Development Kemmerer LLC — had requested an amendment to the plat that included eliminating the need for the developer to install natural gas lines. A majority of the zoning board recommended that the city deny the request to amend the plat.

With a close vote in an April 22 city council meeting, a majority of the council members voted to override the zoning board’s recommendation and amend the plat and allow the developer not to provide natural gas.

Germain, the spokesman for the developers, estimated adding infrastructure for natural gas lines would cost more than $800,000, which would increase lot prices. The developer plans to use a Colorado-based company called Fading West to build the all-electric homes.

On the one hand, eliminating the requirement for gas lines will make the individual lots more affordable, but some are concerned that this will drive up utility costs for homeowners.

Kemmerer City Administrator Brian Muir acknowledged the need to move forward with housing and be accommodating to the developer but said he’s concerned about affordable utilities.

“We also need to think about the future of the citizens in the area,” Muir said. “It’s not just about affordable housing; it’s about affordable utilities and having choices.”

This story was published on May 7, 2024.

Man accused of shooting multiple homes after reportedly shooting through his own roof

GILLETTE (WNE) — No one was injured but three homes were damaged after dozens of gunshots were heard early Monday morning in the Westview Mobile Home Park, rounds allegedly fired by the same man who reported accidentally shooting a hole in his roof with a shotgun Sunday.

A 74-year-old woman called officers at about 4 a.m. Monday to report 10 gunshots she could hear from her home in the 3200 block of Echeta Road. Officers went to the area where they heard another 20 shots fired. They contacted the woman, who said she was shielding herself in her home because rounds had come into her home and struck her furniture, Police Deputy Chief Brent Wasson said.

Officers went into her home and helped remove her from the area.

They identified a home where the person was believed to be firing the gunshots. They issued commands to the 38-year-old man inside, and after about 10 minutes, he came out with a rifle in his hands, Wasson said. He followed police commands and placed the gun on the ground.

The man was under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. Three surrounding homes were found with bullet holes and no injuries were reported.

Wasson said that Sunday evening, the same 38-year-old man reported accidentally shooting a softball-sized hole in his roof with a shotgun. The man said he was clearing out the 12-gauge shotgun by pulling the trigger and forgot it was loaded.

He reported the incident immediately and based on the angle of the shot, Wasson said it did not appear as though there was any danger to neighbors and no action was taken.

Charges related to reckless endangerment and possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent are pending.

This story was published on May 6, 2024.

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‘Yellowstone’ star to visit during July film festival

CHEYENNE (WNE) — Jefferson White, star of the acclaimed TV series “Yellowstone,” will visit Cheyenne during the 10th annual Wyoming International Film Festival in July.

The Wyoming International Film Festival will feature a red carpet on opening night for members of the public beginning at 5:30 p.m. July 9 at the Cheyenne Civic Center. A screening of the award-winning short film “Paper Geese,” featuring White, will begin at 6:30 p.m., with a question- and-answer session to follow. An after party at Westby Edge Brewing Company will begin at 9 p.m.

White, who plays Jimmy Hurdstrom on Paramount’s hit neo-western “Yellowstone” and is the star of an upcoming spinoff “The Four Sixes,” is a champion of indie film, said Rudi Womack, director of the Wyoming International Film Festival.

“Jefferson White has quite a lot of celebrity from being on ‘Yellowstone,’ but his involvement with indie film is also in line with our mission,” Womack said, adding that “Paper Geese” won a previous award for best short film at the annual Cheyenne event.

“We’re huge champions of independent cinema,” Womack said. “In bringing these movies, and Jefferson White to Cheyenne, we’re bringing to Wyoming opportunities to see films and speak directly to filmmakers that people would not otherwise have the chance to do.”

The film festival will also showcase a piece produced by Jamie Lee Curtis, another film narrated by Lily Gladstone, and content by 12 Emmy award winners.

For more information about the Wyoming International Film Festival, the complete schedule of events, and partnership opportunities, please visit wyoiff.com.

This story was published on May 7, 2024.

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Two arrests after motorcycle riders lead deputies on 150 mph chase

GILLETTE (WNE) — A 19-year-old woman was arrested Sunday on a number of drug charges after she and two other motorcycle drivers led Sheriff’s deputies on a chase that reached speeds of almost 150 mph.

A 21-year-old man was also arrested following the chase that began on Highway 14-16 near Northern Drive late Sunday afternoon, while a third motorcycle driver got away, said Undersheriff Quentin Reynolds.

A Sheriff’s deputy tried stopping the bikers for speeding on Highway 14-16 at which point they accelerated away from the deputy.

The chase continued north, with riders reaching speeds of 149 mph, Reynolds said.

The woman laid down her bike when she turned onto Arrow Boulevard where she was arrested.

A bag she had was searched and deputies found about 500 grams of THC wax, although it’s unclear whether that weight factors in packaging, and multiple THC vape cartridges, suspected psilocybin mushrooms and THC gummies. She also had a scale and unspecified amount of cash.

She was arrested on felony counts of possession with intent to deliver and drug possession, and misdemeanor counts of reckless driving, eluding and THC wax possession, according to the Sheriff’s Office arrest log.

The 21-year-old man was caught near Little Powder Road and North Highway 59 where he was arrested for eluding and reckless driving, Reynolds said.

This story was published on May 6, 2024.